Health Moment: Top Six Warning Signs of Teen Prescription Addiction

By Guest

February 5, 2014

In Health

Over the past 10 years, the rate of prescription drug abuse among teens has risen steadily. As reported in the Partnership Attitude Tracking Study conducted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America revealed, “nearly one in five (4.5 million) admits to abusing medications not prescribed to him or her.”

Furthermore, as reported on NJ.com, according to the Federal Center for Disease Control, “60 percent of prescription abusers begin abusing pills before the age of 15.”

Top Six Warning Signs of Teen Prescription Addiction

Increase or decrease in sleep
Poor decision-making
Appears to be high, unusually energetic or revved up, or sedated
Missing medications
Sudden weight loss
Frequent injuries

What can parents do if some or all of these signs match your teen?

Parents should not be afraid to check their teen’s knapsacks/ backpacks or any other personal belonging that can reveal prescription drug use. The same goes for their teen’s computer. A spot check of your teen’s Social Media profiles like Facebook is also perfectly acceptable. This applies to emails as well.

If all else fails and your child has ventured down a dangerous path that appears to be irreversible, it may be time to start searching for Teen Prescription Drug Rehabs or if the situation is more serious a detox facility.

Contributor: Scott Brand

Scott Brand works in the outreach department of Inspirations for Youth, one the nation’s leading Teen Adolescent Addiction Treatment Centers. He spends his time talking to the teens about their inspirational stories of recovery.